A tragedy is a genre typically defined as a play that deals with a series of events that lead to the hero's downfall. Written between 1604 and 1606, "King Lear" falls into this genre of tragedy, describing the destruction and death of the main character (Abrams). The play centers on Lear, an elderly king who, upon retirement, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters while retaining the title and privileges of being king. However, King Lear's actions lead to the destruction of his family, the destruction of his kingdom, and the creation of a war. “King Lear” is a tragedy because it follows the codes and conventions generally associated with the genre. The main hero and protagonist, King Lear is an influential and noble character whose fatal flaw leads to his death (Shakespeare.nuvvo.com). It is Lear's character combined with the themes of conflict, power, family, and forgiveness that make "King Lear" a tragedy. “King Lear” is a character-driven play. As the main character, it is Lear's decisions that influence those around him. Lear himself is stubborn, proud, and often blind to the truth. For this reason, it is clear that Lear values ​​appearance over reality, thus showing how the character's character and flaws contribute to and foster conflict within the work (A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO THE SIGNET CLASSIC EDITION OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S KING LEAR ). One of the most important scenes to support this is at the end of act two, scene four, in which Lear is brought to the breaking point by the cruelties of Goneril and Regan. Lear rages at them, explaining that their attempts to take away his knights and servants have hurt him. Oh, don't think about necessity! Our vilest beggars are in the poorest and most superfluous thing. Let nature no longer... half of the paper... HIS GUIDE TO THE CLASSIC EDITION OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S KING LEAR). It is their greed, however, that leads to their downfall. Their desire for power is satisfied, but they both harbor a sexual need for Edmund, which ends their alliance and ultimately leads them to destroy each other. These loyalties and bonds are the causes of the vast betrayal displayed in “King Lear,” which in turn leads to the downfall of King Lear himself, thus aptly labeling this play a tragedy. King Lear" falls into the genre of tragedy, describing the destruction and fall of the king and his three daughters. The play follows the codes and conventions generally associated with the genre and is through the character of Lear in combination with the cunning deception of his two eldest daughters who bring into play the themes of conflict, power, family and forgiveness..